My Ultimate Guide To Selecting The Best Croquet Sets For You

Best Croquet Sets – My Introduction

Would you like to know what are the best croquet sets for the money on the market today?

If you do, this review is perfect for you.

Continue reading to discover the secrets of the best croquet sets, their strength and weaknesses, their advantages and disadvantages, and what to look for when buying the best croquet sets for yourself or your loved ones.

Best Croquet Sets Buying Guide – Mallets

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Mallets

What different types of mallets are available, what are their Pros and Cons, what are their best use cases, and who should buy which type of mallet?

stick length,

material (aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, or woods like tawa, hickory, or ash),

weight,

shaft shape,

the rigidity of the shaft,

peripheral weighing,

size of the head,

the shape of the head.

Mallets range in length from 24 inches to 36 inches.

It is difficult to have a hard and fast rule that a person of a particular height should use a mallet of a certain length because mallet length also depends on the grip that individual players use.

The Juegoal Six Player Croquet set is a good choice for most casual Croquet players, those who play during family gatherings, picnics, or parties.

The set has hardwood mallets that are 28 inches long. The Croquet mallet rubber end caps added for protection make this set unique.

Another Croquet set is the Amish-Crafted Deluxe Croquet Game set.

The set gives you a choice of hardwood maple mallets with either 32-inch handles for adults or 28-inch handles for children.

If you usually have children playing together with adults, you can choose an option that includes four 32-inch handles and four 28-inch handles.

Each mallet has a brass ring at each end to protect the wood from splitting. The set is ideal for both professionals and casual players.

If you are new to Croquet, you will find the Baden Deluxe Series Croquet ideal.

The set is also perfect for leisurely afternoons at the park or for playing in the comfort of your backyard with friends and family.

Made of solid hardwood, the mallets are 29 inches in length making this croquet set great for nearly all ages and ability levels.

The Harvil 6-Player set has mallets made of natural Maplewood.

The mallet heads are made of chip-resistant bamboo, a highly durable material.

Players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy playing using this set that has 30-inch mallets.

A GoSports Six Player Croquet set is sometimes referred to as the croquet set for families.

This is because the set comes with mallets of two sizes, the 28-inch for children and the 35-inch for adults.

The mallets are crafted from premium hardwood for durability.

The mallets have nice leather-like wrap at the top of the handles for grip and are sturdy and very solid.

Best Croquet Sets Buying Guide – Balls

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Balls

What different types of balls are available, what are their Pros and Cons, what are their best use cases, and who should buy which type of ball? weight, material, size?

When the game of croquet was invented, they used to play with proper wooden croquet balls, but today, the balls are made of synthetic materials.

The balls are divided into competition balls and casual play balls.

There are 2 main brands of competition balls, the Dawson International 16oz Croquet balls and the Sunshiny Tournament 16oz Croquet balls.

Just looking at these two brands, it is easy to detect that the regulation ball weight is 16oz, so both of these are smack on.

The Dawson croquet balls are made of top-quality composite plastic.

They have become the standard ball used by top players around the world.

The Dawson 2000 is of a high standard, and in addition to the weight, the diameter of 3 5/8”, the double-milled surface, and the rebound rate all meet the World Croquet Federation standards and are tournament approved.

The only downside to the Dawson balls is that they require to be repainted a little more frequently.

The Sunshiny balls are also approved by the World Croquet Federation for club-level play.

Like its counterpart, the Dawson balls, Sunshiny balls weigh 16oz and have a diameter of 3 5/8”.

The Dawson and Sunshiny balls represent the highest standard for croquet balls.

For backyard and casual play, most balls weigh either 12oz or 16oz.

The Cottage/Longworth croquet balls, for example, are slightly smaller and lighter than standard Croquet Balls, weighing 12oz and having a 9.2cm diameter.

These balls are made of wood, but their downside is that from the very first game, the color on the balls will begin to chip.

Uber Games Croquet Balls are made of a combination of wood and composite.

This combination offers more durability than the typical wooden balls, offering more durability than the typical wooden balls.

The balls come in 3 weights, 16oz balls for professionals, 12oz and 9oz balls for children, and casual play.

They are also 3 5/8 in diameter which is also a regulation size.

Composite wood is a material that is a mixture of wood fiber, plastic, and a binding agent.

These ingredients are put together to form a material that is denser, stronger, and heavier than wood alone and offers more protection from water or moisture.

Best Croquet Sets Buying Guide – Wickets, Hoops

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Wickets or hoops in all the good croquet sets come in sets of 6.

Whereas the hoops are a white painted finish, there will be one that is marked blue at the top.

This will be the first hoop. Another hoop marked with red at the top becomes the last hoop.

Some regulations govern hoops so that the game is streamlined.

These regulations state that hoops should have a diameter of 5/8”.

The space between the two vertical bars, called the uprights, should be between 4 and 3¾”.

The crown of the hoop, which is the bar that connects the uprights should be 12 above the ground.

Generally, hoops are placed in one of two categories, “championship hoops” and “garden hoops” depending on the type of game played.

Championship hoops are made of steel or cast iron.

The gap between the uprights of tournament hoops is normally set to the diameter of the balls in use, leaving a clearance of between 1/16 and 3/16”.

The EDT Omega hoops have rotating carrots which allow the gap of the hoop to be adjusted with a spanner once the hoops are in the ground.

The stake at the end of each upright comes in two types.

The most popular ones are the carrot shape.

They are conically shaped and fixed firmly into the ground, ensuring that the hoop is steady even when hit by a ball.

The other type of championship hoop ends has fins on the legs below ground level.

The fins are to ground the hoop but these hoops are best used in sandy grounds as they can easily be damaged when driven into tough grounds.

The length of the carrot and flare and the number of fins is matched to the existing conditions.

A full-size tournament hoop may have up to 10 below ground and a large carrot-shaped base or large fins to prevent movement.

Garden hoops are usually made with thin, plastic-coated wire. They are usually bent into a round arch.

Many recreational sets have a gap between the two uprights of 4 1/2 to as much as 5”.

They are inexpensive, and the height of these hoops offers about 3 to 4 in the ground and only about 8 above ground to shoot through.

During garden play, tube hoops measuring between 3/8 to 1/2 tube can be used.

They look better than the thin-wire ones.

Best Croquet Sets Buying Guide – Add-ons, Accessories

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Croquet sets with stand are one of the best ways of keeping your mallets organized when not in use.

This is just one of the various add-ons, accessories, and extras that you get with some of the croquet sets in the market.

With a club minder, you no longer have to stoop to pick up your mallet off the ground.

This simple but effective piece of equipment is placed in the ground to cradle your mallet.

It easily fits in your mallet bag and comes in 4 colors blue, red, black, and yellow.

Another helpful accessory is the ball carrier.

This is a nylon waterproof bag that allows you to carry your balls to your backyard, the park, or wherever the game is at.

It has elasticated net pockets at the ends for you to carry your other smaller accessories.

This makes traveling with the equipment easier.

However, as this is not part of the original set, it can easily be left behind when carrying your equipment.

Croquet clips are other small gadgets that are handy to have during play as they help you keep track of the game.

It is very easy to lose track of how the game is going, leading to errors.

There are two types of clips, a simple set of plastic croquet clips for those casual garden games, and a metal set for more serious games.

If you want to protect your mallet even further during storage and transportation, a mallet cover will do this very well.

Made from padded polyester with adjustable shoulder straps and an external pocket, these covers are designed to fit croquet mallets with 9″ to 10″ heads, and up to 38″ long.

There is also the option of getting mallet heads that are not padded.

Sometimes, you may just want to protect the mallet head.

This can be done conveniently using a mallet head wrap.

This is a simple way to keep your mallet head in perfect condition after use.

The heads are made of stretchy neoprene and are fitted with easy-to-use velcro tabs so that they can be fitted to virtually any head with ease.

The final piece of accessory, even though some may argue this is a must item, is the rule book.

When players understand the basic rules, the game becomes a lot more fun as arguments and errors are avoided.

Do you need a wider variety of fun outdoor activities for your next event? Don’t despair. I curated an exciting compilation of 250 backyard games that turn boring days into fantastic fun-filled adventures for kids and adults alike.

Best Croquet Sets Buying Guide – Players’ age, strength, experience, intended usage, budget

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Ideally, the best quality croquet set is the one that you are comfortable with in terms of your age, strength, experience, intended usage, and budget.

When considering croquet mallets, It is generally accepted that if the mallet is for a child or an adult who is not tall, then the smaller mallets with 29-inch handles are best.

For adults and tall teenagers, the 35 or 36-inch mallet length is great.

This length is also recommended for players without too much experience as they will have better control of the mallet.

Mallet handles can be solid wood or spliced.

Spliced handles combine the strength of two different kinds of wood, and are also a little less expensive than solid ones.

The mallet head is also a point to consider.

Mallet heads made of quality hardwood are a little more expensive, but they are also more durable.

This makes them perfect for frequent players and those playing professionally.

Casual or backyard players are fine with the less costly softwood mallet heads.

Narrower mallet heads make it harder for you to make an accurate shot which is alright for professionals who are always looking for a challenge.

If you are new to the game, play the game occasionally, or are a child, a mallet head with a bigger face will make the game a lot more fun.

The weight of the croquet mallet is also important.

Heavier mallets are best for adults as they produce longer shots, but they may be too heavy for children and newer players.

These mallets may also be uncomfortable for elderly players as well.

A lighter mallet is also more suited to delicate strokes when in the hands of a professional.

Croquet balls come in different sizes and weights to cater to players of all ages and abilities.

The official regulation-size balls weigh 16oz and are 3 5/8 in diameter.

This is fine for more experienced players, but for elderly or less experienced players, balls weighing 12oz are often more suitable.

Adults using lighter mallets will also benefit from the 12oz ball.

Children are fine with smaller croquet balls that weigh 6.5oz.

The different materials are also a consideration.

There are painted wooden balls that are generally made for children and used in the backyard.

Composite balls are lighter than competition balls but longer lasting than wooden balls.

Both are suitable for backyard games.

Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set, Maple Hardwood

Image: ©AmishToyBox

After the coin toss to determine who will start the game, the person who is most likely to win is the one using a super-quality croquet set.

The Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set, Maple Hardwood is one such set.

As the name suggests, the set is made by highly qualified Amish craftsmen in Lancaster County who have mastered the art of quality.

The colorful set is made of durable quality maple hardwood and includes eight weather-resistant polymer balls of different colors, each weighing 10.5 ounces.

The 8 maple hardwood mallets come in 2 sizes, a 28-inch handle, and 32 inches.

For ease of identification, each mallet is hand painted with rings to match its corresponding ball.

The set would not be complete without the 2 end stakes and the 9 sturdy metal wickets, each being 5/32 inches in diameter and vinyl-coated.

When not in use, you can store it all neatly away in the wooden storage holder provided.

The mallets are smooth to the touch and the light natural wood color gives them a stylish, understated beauty.

Maple hardwood, one of the hardest of woods has successfully been used as flooring for private and public spaces for many years.

It gracefully withstands weight and constant usage, which means you can trust the mallets to work perfectly on the lawn or backyard, whatever the weather.

The wood is also easy to clean and maintain, so after using the mallets in the yard simply wash them with some mild soap solution.

The hardness of maple makes it difficult to get scratches, but when it does get a scratch the naturally light color makes it difficult to conceal the scratches and marks.

The shop-bought croquet set is quite pricy, so should you decide to make your own croquet set, you can choose from different grades of maple wood to fit your budget.

A set made of second or third-grade maple wood is cheaper and the few color streaks and small knots that are present give the set a more rustic look.

The durability of the set is also not compromised by using lower-grade maple wood.

When it comes to the balls, it is best left to the professionals, so you can either order your polymer balls or take the dimensions and polymer material to a manufacturer and have them make it for you.

GoSports Six Player Croquet Set for Adults & Kids – Modern Wood Design with Deluxe (35) and Standard (28) Options

Image: ©GoSports

If you are looking for the best croquet set, the GoSports Six Player Croquet Set for Adults & Kids – Modern Wood Design with Deluxe (35) and Standard (28) Options is it.

I was able to choose between the Deluxe set whose handles are 35” long, making it more suited for adults and the Standard set whose handles are 28”, a comfortable length for children to play with.

Since I intend to have an afternoon of fun and games with the whole family, it made sense to buy both sets.

Each set has 6 mallets, and 6 balls of different colors, all made from textured polyethylene.

The balls are amazingly light, weighing 10 ounces each.

I also got 9 plastic coated wire wickets that are weather resistant and which are roughly 6.5” wide and 6” tall. 2 end posts and of course, the rules wrap up the things that came in the set.

I love the carry bag the equipment comes in, and I see it being very useful when I want to carry this lightweight set to my friend’s or when I need to store the game away neatly when not in use.

The mallets are made of hardwood so I can look forward to playing with them for a long time.

When I run my hands up and down the handles the mallets feel so smooth, having been polished to a professional finish.

When playing with friends it is easy for them to identify which ball goes with their mallet.

The mallets are cleverly painted with the color of the corresponding ball, making them pleasingly colorful.

What is even more amazing is that the mallet top is wrapped with a soft grip so my hands are comfortable when wrapped around the handle.

To assemble the mallets, I simply screw the handle into the mallet head.

As with all things, there is the off chance that one or two balls may get slightly dented over time, as happened with my neighbor.

However, the quality, soft grip on the handles, the weight of the balls which makes them roll further, and the availability of a child-size set make the GoSports Six Player Croquet Set for Adults & Kids – Modern Wood Design with Deluxe (35) and Standard (28) Options the perfect set for my friends and I, as we just want to play a casual game of croquet.

Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set with Wooden Mallets

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Even after months of playing with them, I still love to look at my Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set with Wooden Mallets.

As far as croquet sets go, this one is colorful without being overwhelming, adding some extra cheer to the game.

It is also quite reasonably priced, making it ideal for people like my play team who play casual games.

The set is designed for 6 players which is just perfect for me and my 5 play team members.

We had a game today and I felt good picking the mallet and polymer ball set displaying my favorite color.

I enjoy playing with the 32” mallet handle as it allows me to maintain a relaxed stance.

I also love the little white rubber caps on both ends of each mallet.

The cap was a real lifesaver during our game last week when my mallet collided with a stone.

No damage was done, and my mallet is still as good as new.

I suppose the fact that the mallet was made of hardwood also contributed because hardwood is very durable.

As I walked around the play area setting up the 9 wickets, and the 2 high-quality hardwood stakes that are each 21 long, I could not help but notice yet again, the vinyl coating protecting each wicket so that it can remain looking in tip-top condition for a long time.

When the game was over, I had no problem packing the mallets in the carrier bag supplied as the mallet heads are detachable.

I just unscrewed them and they were ready to put away to wait for another game day.

The quality of the carrier bag may not be all that good, but I think that is a small price to pay.

And the carrier bag does technically protect the items from weather damage, which is one of the things it is supposed to do.

So, as I sit here and think about what I find interesting about this set, I can say it is the fact that I was able to unpack my Six-Player Deluxe Croquet Set with Wooden Mallets and start playing with it immediately because it had everything required to play a fun, friendly game of croquet with my friends.

I am also impressed by the quality of the equipment, the way the mallet is protected by the rubber caps, and the way my backyard looks so colorful during play.

Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set

Image: ©Juegoal

With 5 of my best friends in my backyard looking forward to a fun afternoon, I was glad I had decided to buy the Juegoal Six Player Croquet Set, one of the wood croquet sets designed to allow up to six players to play.

The set comes with six beautifully colored mallets meaning that each one of my friends can have a mallet of their own,

In addition to the hardwood mallets, you also get hardwood ending stakes, 6 balls of different colors corresponding to the mallets, and 9 steel wickets with vinyl coating.

The mallets come detached, but putting them together is no big task.

I simply screw the mallet head onto the handle.

Each handle is 28 inches long.

I am a little short so I find the handle a comfortable length.

The length of the mallet makes it suitable for players of all ages, so next time we will play with our children.

As a beginner when it comes to croquet, my skill level is quite low, but as I make my way around the course, I find that I’m having a relatively easier time hitting the ball than I expected.

I notice that the mallet has a white cap on both ends for protection, and when I measure the mallet head, I am pleasantly surprised to discover that the mallet heads measure 8 inches, placing it within the recommended mallet length for beginners like me.

As I handle the ball during play, I notice that it is firm to the touch.

A closer look reveals it is made from hard plastic, a durable material.

The balls measure 2.8 inches wide, and the playing area looks bright with all the colored balls.

The game is designed for casual play, just perfect for my friends and me as we aim to have fun, instead of some serious competition.

After the game, I gather the set and put it safely away in the black 30.7-inch carrier bag that comes with it.

Next week our game is at my friend’s and I am happy that I have this carrier bag which will make it easy for me to carry the set.

So, this set with mallet handles that are a convenient length, balls well protected against the elements, and wickets that will last for a long time will provide you with hours of casual play.

Harvil 6-Player Croquet Set

Image: ©Harvil

I started playing croquet less than a year ago and I feel I’m not yet ready to look at the pro croquet sets.

I am more comfortable with the sets that allow me to play casual games with friends and family.

I still remember the day I went to the store to get my Harvil 6-Player croquet set.

I found that the set was affordable, a truly pleasant surprise.

I still had not decided what color set I would get, dark gray, light gray, or the natural wood color. I loved that I had a choice of what color set I would like to spend hours upon hours of fun with, in the backyard.

I enjoyed the opening process when I finally got the set home.

It revealed 6 mallets, 6 balls, 2 color-matching stake posts (both 24 inches), and 9 heavy-duty steel wickets which are vinyl-coated to prevent rusting.

The mallets were all in two pieces, the handles, and the mallet heads. It did not take me long to screw all the mallet heads securely onto the 30-inch handles.

The length of the mallet handle is a comfortable one for me to play with.

One thing I noticed immediately was that the mallets are made of maple wood, but the mallet heads are made of bamboo, a highly durable material that is chip resistant.

I then moved on to the 6 brightly colored balls.

I noticed the balls are made of weather-resistant polymer.

Each ball rolls smoothly and is made in a design that protects the mallets from chipping.

It is easy to see that some thought had gone into the design of the nylon zip-up carrying bag. Instead of a single bucket bag, this bag has smaller mesh bags and elastic straps so that everything goes into its place.

This helps protect the equipment any time I carry it around.

When playing with friends, there is one time we had a little incident of one ball denting a bit, but this was after hitting a metal stake that had been accidentally left in the yard after another game.

The Harvil 6-Player croquet set is unique in that it lets you choose between 3 colors, and the mallet heads are made of hard, durable bamboo.

Measuring 30 inches the mallets are of a comfortable size, and the balls are made of weather-resistant material.

Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set

Image: ©Baden

My search for an extremely affordable croquet set led me to the Baden Deluxe Series croquet set.

I also wanted a set that would provide enough mallets and balls for each player to have one. This set meets all those requirements.

The Baden Deluxe Series croquet set is one of the croquet game sets designed for a minimum of 2 players and a maximum of 6.

Since we are never more than that number, we are well covered.

My friends and I are the occasional recreational players, and that is precisely who this particular set is made for.

It is interesting to see that just like the traditional croquet mallets, this set has mallets with round heads.

The day I took the set home, I found that the mallets come detached, with the six 28-inch handles on one side and the corresponding mallet heads on the other.

This was not a problem as assembling them is quite easy.

Some people may prefer a longer mallet, but I have found that the size and weight of these mallets is just what I need to help me work on my skills.

The mallet is quite light which means I can concentrate on trying to hit the ball to the target and not on balancing the mallet.

Together with the six solid hardwood mallets, the set also comes with two end posts, six brightly colored poly-resin, weather-resistant balls, and nine heavy-duty steel wickets which keep their shape even after being hammered into the ground.

I do not have one particular place where I play, so sometimes I’m at the beach, at other times at the park, at the neighbor’s, or in my backyard.

Carrying the set around has never been difficult as the black portable carry bag has pockets that make it easy for me to carry the gear in an organized way.

And the embroidered logo looks great.

The Baden Deluxe Series Croquet Set will not cost you an arm and a leg, but the one thing it will do is let you enjoy a game of croquet to the full.

This set comes equipped with all the pieces you need to set up a game quickly whenever you are ready to play.

I have played with this particular set for several games and it has not let me down, making it an ideal option for casual and new players.

Scottsdale Croquet Set by North Meadow

Image: ©North Meadow

One of the first things I noticed about the Scottsdale Croquet Set by North Meadow is that it is a solid set, and all the wood parts are covered with a radiant protective finish, making the set highly durable.

When the game of croquet was still quite new, it was easy to get a croquet set with wooden balls.

These days, wooden balls are very rarely used, and most sets, the Scottsdale Croquet Set by North Meadow included, produce high-quality polymer balls.

Each polymer ball weighs 8.9 ounces and measures 3 5/16 in diameter.

Next, I move to the mallets.

They come disassembled, with the heads separate from the handles.

These mallets are made of hardwood which means they will last a long time.

They feel very nice and have a good, well-balanced feel when I hold them in my hands.

That explains why I have found it easy to control the mallet when in play, making targeting a lot more accurate.

The handles are 30 inches long, making it great for all my adult friends, and the children can also have a great time with them.

Even though the set comes with each mallet disassembled, there is no delay when it is time to play since screwing the handles into the mallet heads has always proved to be an easy exercise.

The 9 heavy-duty poly-coated steel wickets are 0.250 in diameter.

They are so strong, they have not been damaged even with all the heavy hammering.

What I found convenient is the provision of a storage sack for them.

This ensures that even as they are put into the main carrier bag, they will not scratch the wooden parts of the set.

The set, of course, is not complete without the 2 goal stakes, each one measuring 24 inches, and the carrying bag which is big enough to fit the mallets without disassembling them.

When I first saw the price at the store, I thought it might be a little costly, but I would like to think that what I paid for it is well covered by the good times I have had while playing croquet with my friends.

The Scottsdale Croquet Set by North Meadow is a colorful 6-player set made of hardwood.

The 30” mallets are comfortable to play with, and the protective covering of the wood parts makes the set a lot more durable.

Harvil 6-Player Croquet Set

The Harvil 6-Player croquet set is a wooden croquet set that my friends and I use during our friendly games in my backyard.

The first thing I noticed about this set is that the mallets come in 3 different colors black, gray, and natural wood.

They are color-coordinated with the balls, to avoid confusion during play.

As a six-player set, my group of 6 friends can each have their ball and mallet.

When I got my set, it came with everything we needed to play immediately.

This includes 6 lovely, hardwood mallets, 6 colored balls, 2 color matching stake posts, and 9 heavy-duty steel wickets.

Even though the mallets came disassembled, it took little time to screw the mallet heads to the handles.

As my friends and I were doing this, I noticed they are made of strong hardwood.

The mallet handles measure 30 inches, a size that is longer than average.

Another pleasant surprise was discovering that each mallet head is made of bamboo which is chip resistant.

This makes the mallet heads highly durable.

The polymer balls which come in 6 different colors feel strong in my hands.

They are made in a design that is supposed to protect the mallets from breaking.

A closer look at the wickets reveals they are made of tough steel which is coated with vinyl to prevent damage from the elements like rusting, for example.

I can easily identify all the pieces of equipment in this set because everything has the Harvil logo.

I got a bag that matches the set and this was because each Harvil 6-Player Croquet Set comes with its matching carrying case.

The bag has inside mesh bags and elastic straps that are very convenient, and the bag is big enough for me to pack everything neatly either for storage or to carry to my friend’s for a game.

My neighbor had a slight incident where he says one of the balls developed a slight dent, but I have had my set for a couple of years and everything still looks in good condition.

A set that offers a choice of colors, mallets that are damage-protected, balls that roll smoothly, and wickets and stakes that are weather resistant.

That is the best way to sum up the Harvil 6-Player Croquet Set.

A set that is suitable for a casual game in the backyard.

Wooden Outdoor Deluxe Sports Croquet Set

Image: ©Amazon

The Wooden Outdoor Deluxe Sports Croquet Set is designed for beginners and casual players like me who are enthusiastic and want to enjoy a good game with family and friends.

This crocket set is designed for a maximum of 6 players, just what we need as a family.

It came very well packaged, and the set had everything required to play a game immediately. Included in the set were six mallets, six different colored balls, two solid wood stakes, nine wickets, and a convenient carrying case.

We had to assemble the mallets as they come with the mallet head separated from the handles, but that was not a problem.

My family and I had a bonding moment assembling the mallets.

The mallets are 26 inches, a comfortable length that allows you to play a fun game. I have seen my 7-year-old daughter handling them, and she enjoys her own little game.

The mallet heads have cushion-capped heads to prevent them from chipping.

That is an indication that these solid wood mallets are durable. The mallet heads are 1.85 inches in diameter.

The croquet balls are differently colored, and I love the way the field looks during play, with spots of different colors.

The balls are 3 inches in diameter and within the regulated weight.

When you are playing the balls roll smoothly, making the game enjoyable.

The nine wickets are made of metal, making them able to withstand constant hammering.

They are vinyl coated to resist damage from the elements, and these U-shaped wire wickets give your balls a clear space to go through as they measure 8 inches in length and 6.25 inches in width.

However, there is a slight issue with the mallets.

Once they are assembled they do not fit into the beautiful light blue carry bag.

This is easily solved by putting them in a separate bag to make it easy to store and transport.

The set is made of strong material that allows you to play as often as you want.

Despite the solid wood, the mallets are lightweight giving you a comfortable grip and easy balance during play.

It is a set that is suited to casual play, and the solid wood will endure being used a lot without signs of damage.

It is surprisingly light, making it easy to use, and comfortable for both children and adults.

Kettler Children’s Croquet Set

Image: ©Kettler

When I noticed my child kept joining us when we played croquet, I decided to get the Kettler Children’s Croquet Set for her.

It may not be a professional croquet set but it is a good set for her age.

It comes with all the things she needed to play, and this includes four 25-inch wooden mallets, four 70mm solid plastic polymer balls of different colors, 2 brightly colored pegs, and 10 plastic wickets.

An interesting thing I have noticed is that my daughter tends to switch balls several times during play.

She told me that if she just played with one, the others would feel sad and that would be bad.

That made me realize she has truly bonded with the set.

The great thing about this set is that my daughter comfortably plays by herself on many occasions. If she wants a little more excitement, she walks over to my neighbor’s and asks his 8-year-old son to join her.

Playing croquet with my friends has helped to improve my balance, coordination, and focus and I am sure it will do the same for these young ones as well.

As I watch the children play, I notice that they can maneuver them with ease, meaning they are the right weight for them.

I also notice the length of the mallets, 25 inches, is a comfortable one for their height.

The set comes in a colorful, convenient storage box with a handle for easy carrying.

Unlike the carrier bags for adults, this box is purposely made with children in mind, judging from the color and design.

I used the box to serve yet another purpose; I was able to use it to enforce the “tidy up” aspect of play.

My child now understands that after play, we always put our things away tidily.

The Kettler Children’s Croquet Set might be a little pricy but your child will get so much fun out of it, that it will give you some emotional satisfaction.

All the parts of the set are made lightweight so that the child has an easy time carrying it to the play area.

Set up is simple and once I showed my daughter how it is done, she became completely independent.

This is good as she can pay anytime she wants and does not have to rely on my availability.

How To Play Croquet?

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With the beautiful sunny days at hand, enjoy the sun by learning how to play croquet.

The game of croquet is a game for all players, young and old, professional and beginner.

So, if you are a beginner, your next question is how to play croquet?

Once you pick your favorite croquet set, whether it is the Croquet Association set, the garden, or the championship set, you are ready to play one of the 3 types of croquet games. All these games promise a fine, entertaining time as long as you are using a croquet set that is suitable.

Garden croquet is the most popular of the croquet games.

It is a casual form of the classic game and is the ideal way of spending a summer afternoon.

It is played more during social gatherings rather than for competitive purposes, and as you might have guessed, the garden croquet set is best.

The game involves hitting your ball through a series of hoops that form the course. In a game of garden croquet the size of the course is flexible, just fit it into the space that you have.

Association Croquet is more for those who wish to play a slightly more serious game than casual garden croquet.

This is not just about hitting the ball, it is a strategy game that requires you to look at the balls on the court, and decide the best move to make – aim for the hoop or dislodge your opponent’s ball.

All this as you try to be the first to get your ball through all the loops.

Players race around the course hitting the ball through the hoops.

Players are in two teams and the first team to get both their balls through the 12 hoops in order is the winner.

Golf croquet has very simple rules that are easily understood by even beginners.

With 4 people divided into two teams, the first team uses the blue and black balls while the other team plays with the red and yellow balls.

Unlike in association croquet, golf croquet has no extra strokes, just one stroke per turn.

Another difference is that all players try in turns to run hoop 1.

As soon as one player succeeds, they get the point and all players then move on from where their balls currently are to contest hoop 2, and so on until one player completes the course to win.

How To Set Up Croquet?

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How to set up Croquet?

There is an easy guide to setting up your croquet court. to start with, the regulation croquet field is a rectangle that measures 100 feet long and 50 feet wide.

However, if you are playing backyard croquet, you can reduce the court size to fit the space available.

The regulation states that the court should be marked with string or chalk, but during garden croquet, you can choose to use whatever size court you have available.

Place a flag at each corner of the court to make the boundary easily visible.

To set up for a 9-wicket game, place the first stake in the middle of the court, 6 feet from the end.

Measure another 6 feet and place the first wicket.

The next wicket should be another 6 feet from the first wicket or 12 feet from the stake followed by the 2 side wickets.

They are 16 feet from wicket number 2, and 6 feet from each end of the court.

The center wicket is in the middle of the court, 32 feet from the second wicket.

That is half the court setup.

Make a mirror image of this on the second half of the court and your regulation court is all setup.

Looked at from a distance, the wickets and stakes form the shape of two diamonds joined at the center.

Now, if you want to play in your backyard which is small and so cannot accommodate the required size court, you would be right to ask how to set up croquet?

You will be happy to know that croquet is designed to be played on the regulation court, but you can still enjoy the game in your smaller space.

The trick is to scale down everything proportionately according to your court size.

That means if your space is half the regulation court, then the distances between the stakes and between the wickets should be halved, and so on.

When sticking the wickets into the ground, it is important to ensure that the inside width is the same from top to bottom.

The less common 6-wicket field looks like a big number 8.

Divide your court into quarters and place one wicket in the middle of each quadrant.

The last 2 stakes are placed on opposite sides of the center, halfway between the center line and the middle quadrant wicket.

What Equipment Is Needed To Play Croquet?

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What equipment is needed to play croquet?

As you prepare to buy a croquet set, it is important to understand what is required to provide you with a fun game.

Every croquet set comes with mallets, balls, wickets, and stakes to mark the start and finish of the game.

Some croquet brands provide a stand as part of their equipment.

The stand is made of wood and is handy when you want to prop the mallets up when not in use, for example during a break in the game.

Mallets are of two types.

The one-piece mallets are those where the head and handle are inseparable, and the two-piece mallets are where the head can be unscrewed from the handle.

The handle lengths range from the smallest one of 25 inches to the longest which is 36 inches, the size you pick depends on your height, age, and skill level.

They also differ in weight and mallet head size, and each brand has its unique way of marking the mallets with color.

Croquet balls come in many sizes and colors, each with a specific purpose.

Just like the mallets, the number of balls you get depends on the type of set.

The 2 or 4-player set comes with 4 balls which can be in the primary colors red, blue yellow, and black.

They can also come in secondary colors white, pink, brown, and green.

For the 6-player set, you will get the first four primary colors, with green and orange completing the number.

Croquet sets come with either 6 wickets/hoops or 9 depending on the game you want to play.

There are three basic hoop types finned hoops, tube and wire hoops and cast or welded metal hoops.

Finned hoops are mostly used when playing on sandy courts as the fins give the hoop a steadier stance.

Tube and wire hoops are used in most other land types, and they range from 6 to 10mm in diameter.

It is recommended that recommend that you paint the lower part of the hoop which sticks into the ground a different color, leaving 12 of the white hoop protruding above the ground.

This will help you know how much of the hoop to stick into the ground.

Cast or welded metal hoops are recommended for professional or tournament games as they are extremely strong and sturdy.

History of Croquet

Croquet yard game has become a popular outdoor activity, both by professional players and those who just wish to spend a fun time with family and friends in the backyard.

But, when was croquet invented, who invented croquet, and where was croquet invented?

All this can be answered by looking at the history of Croquet.

The history of Croquet is a little gray, but some people believe that when the French played the game of “Jeu De Mail” or Pall Mall, they were laying the foundation for Croquet.

Others, however, believe it was the foundation for golf and others billiards.

The way the president of the Fédération Française de Croquet, Anthoine Ravez, puts it seems to make the most sense.

He said that: Croquet is a very old game, widely known and practiced in France since the XI century under the name of “Jeu De Mail”.

Borrowed by the British around 1300, it was modified over the centuries: the Scots made golf out of it, and the Irish turned it into croquet.

Louis XIV, suffering from being unable to play mail during the winter, miniaturized it on an indoor table and laid the basis of billiards…..

So, how did Croquet develop into what we know today?

It is said that a lady by the name of Miss MacNaghten was impressed by peasants in France playing a game with hoops made of willow rods and mallets of broomsticks stuck into pieces of wood, and around 1851, she introduced the game in Ireland.

She passed the idea to a gentleman by the name of Mr. Spratt who came up with a set of rules for the game.

Spratt then introduced the game to John Jacques who became the first person to craft equipment for the game.

In 1864n Jacques published his first comprehensive code of laws.

Croquet equipment then started being produced commercially.

It is interesting that in the beginning, the game of Croquet was mostly played by ladies.

It presented them with a new way of spending time outdoors.

The game was carefully chaperoned as Tight croquet, which is the practice of putting a foot on the ball and sending the opponent’s ball far away into the bushes.

The ladies needed to be accompanied by young men to go into the bushes to search for the ball.

In 1868, Walter Jones Whitmore published a small booklet with rules on Croquet, becoming the father of modern croquet.

What should I look for in a croquet set for adults?

There are so many croquet sets for adults in the market that one can get confused when trying to buy one.

Deciding whether you want it for casual games in the backyard, or professional games can help you find your ideal set.

When it comes to mallets, the lighter ones suit beginners and casual players, while the heavier make are best for pros.

The balls should match your skill level, with the lighter ones for casual players.

Professional players usually go for the heavier 16oz balls.

What comes in a croquet set?

You have a choice of whether to buy your croquet pieces individually or you can buy the full set.

If you buy the regulation croquet set, it comes with everything you need to play the game which should be nothing less than

2 mallets,
4 balls in blue, red, black, and yellow,
6 wickets and
1 end stake.

Some sets come with 4 or 6 mallets and balls.

An added advantage of buying croquet pieces as a set is it comes with a carrier bag, which will make all the pieces easy to carry around.

How many balls are in a croquet set?

There are many brands of croquet sets and each one supplies balls depending on the maximum number of people the set is designed for.

Looking at the kids croquet set, they also have a varied number of balls.

Some of the sets come with 2 balls while other sets have 4 balls.

The number of balls in an adult croquet set also depends on the maximum number of players allowed.

So, you will find some sets with 4 balls, and others with 6 balls.

Enjoy the colorful blue, red, yellow, green, and orange balls.

How much is a croquet set? How Much Does A Croquet Set Cost?

How much does a croquet set cost?

When it comes to croquet sets, it is a matter of what you pay for is what you get.

The cost of a croquet set depends on several things, starting from the quality of the materials used, to the number of players who can use the set.

So, how much is a croquet set?

The 4-player set ranges from $33 to a staggering $23, while the range for the 6-player sets is between $25 and 185.

There are a few 8-player sets and they range from $399 to $439 each.

What are Croquet balls made of?

Croquet sets with wooden balls were in use during the early days, as far back as the 13th century, according to some sources.

Today, croquet balls are made of high-quality polymer.

This composite core with a plastic cover makes the standard tournament balls more durable than the traditional wooden croquet balls.

The balls differ in the type of plastic used and this is relevant because the material used affects weight, bounce, and durability.

Professional or frequent players require balls made of heavier plastic, while for casual play lighter plastic balls are more suitable.

What are the flags for in croquet?

A standard lawn croquet set comes with 4 flags of different colors, blue, red, black, and yellow.

The flags are used to mark the corners of the play area, making it easier for players to keep inside the court.

Most flags come with wooden or metal posts, and all have flags made of weather-resistant material.

Some flags are made of powder-coated metal, both the stake and the actual flag.

The flags are mounted on staffs about one foot high and at least 4 inches from the boundary making them easily visible.

What Is The Standard Size Of A Croquet Mallet?

What is the standard size of a croquet mallet?

A beautiful, high-quality croquet set comes with either 2, 4, 6, or 8 mallets depending on the number of players who can play simultaneously.

There are not many guidelines regarding mallet length but at the end of the day, the most suitable mallet length depends on what is comfortable for you.

Mallets come in several lengths mainly 24, 28, 34, 36”, and 38”.

Many beginners feel comfortable starting with the 36” mallet, and adjusting to a more comfortable length if and when necessary.

Children find the 24” and 28” mallets suitably comfortable.

How much room do you need for croquet?

Lawn croquet sets are designed to be used on courts that are adjusted depending on the space available.

That means the court does not have to follow the regulation of court measurements or shape.

The official full-size court measures 100 feet long by 50 feet wide.

In your backyard, you can simply use string or chalk to mark the boundaries if you choose, or just mark the corners using flags or stakes.

The best court is a well-manicured lawn, but if your backyard has short grass, that will work just as well.

How do you get good at croquet?

There are a few things you can do to improve your game.

When choosing an outdoor croquet set go for one with a mallet handle comfortable for you.

They come in tall, medium, and short. If you are not too strong, picking a heavier mallet is clever as you can then let the mallet do the work.

Stand with one leg in front of the other, and swing the mallet in between your legs, croquet style. another important tip, when preparing to score a wicket, aim two or more feet from the target wicket.

How to win at Croquet?

One of the surest ways of giving you a heads-up is to use professional croquet sets as they are designed for top-notch play sessions.

Follow this up with earning extra shots.

This is done in two ways. The first is to hit the ball of another player.

This gives you 2 extra shots leaving you with two options, to take another stroke, or hit the player’s ball, sending it off the course.

Or simply score a wicket to score a point and also gain extra shots from each of the other three balls.

What are the basic rules of croquet?

Rules are set to make playtime fun and fair.

This may not be in the rule books, but playing with a good croquet set ensures that you have a rewarding play session.

A court measuring 100 ft x 50 ft, a mallet and ball for each player, and balls being hit using only the striking end of the mallet.

Those are some of the basic rules.

One important one about scoring, the croquet ball must go all the way through the croquet wicket and stay clear of it to score.

How to play croquet for beginners?

A guide on How Do U Play Croquet reminds us that the game is played by two teams, each aiming to score more wickets than the opponent.

The course is made up of 6 or sometimes 9 wickets and each player tries to get their ball through each wicket in order.

Each turn is one stroke unless the player earns extra strokes.

At the end of the course is a peg that is waiting to be hit by the balls.

The first team to peg out both its 2 balls is the winner.

What are some very simple Croquet rules?

A game of Croquet is a lot of fun if everyone plays according to the rules.

The best Croquet sets come with game rules prepared by the United States Croquet Association.

The official court size is 100ft by 50ft but can be adjusted to fit any space available.

Players use color-coded mallets and balls whose weight is within the regulated range.

Lastly, an important scoring rule is that for a ball to score a wicket and stake points, it must have gone through all the wickets in the right order and direction.

What are Short Croquet rules?

Short Croquet is a shorter version of the Croquet game as we know it.

Played on a lawn half the size of the full court, it is a good stepping stone for beginners before advancing to the full game.

The game can be played with a cheap Croquet set as a game normally lasts about 75 minutes, much shorter than a full game.

This is because Short Croquet is played for 14 points as opposed to 26 points in the full game.

Balls, therefore complete just the first circuit of six hoops and the peg.

How to play Golf Croquet?

Golf Croquet is a simplified version of the Croquet lawn game.

It has fewer rules and allows you as a beginner or casual player to fully enjoy the afternoon of play.

There are no bonus shots and so each side plays alternate strokes aiming to be the first to score the next hoop.

The game is more relaxed, more interactive, and more social than traditional Croquet.

All players contest the same hoop and the first team to get a ball through the hoop scores that point.

All balls go onto the next hoop in order.

Croquet Technique

The advantage of learning good Croquet techniques is that as you start adopting the good things you learn to your game, you become a better player.

A nice Croquet set should have a pamphlet that lays down at least a few of the Croquet techniques essential to your play.

These include your stance which should be comfortable and relaxed, with your toes parallel to the mallet.

Hold the mallet in a comfortable grip and do not change the tension in your fingers from the beginning to the end of the shot.

When making the shot, use your shoulders, not your wrists.

How to strike the ball in croquet?

Every Croquet game set comes with mallets.

A beginner wanting to play for the first time should be given a mallet and ball and without demonstration, asked to hit the ball around for fun.

That helps them find the most comfortable and natural grip for them.

Stand in a balanced position with the feet slightly apart.

Walking the path you wish the ball to follow is important as it helps you align your body correctly.

Making a long pendulum movement, swing the mallet from the shoulders, not the wrists to hit the ball.

Croquet Tips

Croquet tips are designed to help you progress or win the game faster.

The first, and maybe not so obvious tip is to play with quality Croquet sets.

Keeping your eye on the ball from the moment you get ready for the hit to the time the ball stops helps to control it.

Stalk your ball, follow through with your swing, and even more importantly, be a good winner; remember 5 people lost.

If you feel you need additional practice alone, play Golf Croquet and try to reduce the number of strokes for each 6-wicket run.

What is the difference between cricket and croquet?

Croquet is commonly described as a yard game with mallets because the game consists of several colored balls which are hit through pegs with wooden mallets.

In cricket, a single ball is pitched to a batsman who then strikes it with a bat. Incidentally, both games have wickets, but even these are not similar.

In cricket, it is a plate on the ground, while in croquet wickets are hoops through which the balls are hit.

Finally, cricket is a physically active game while croquet is a sedentary game, requiring a lot of patience.

Is Croquet a sport?

According to the Global Association of International Sports Federation, a sport should include an element of competition.

An all-wood croquet set is designed with all the necessary equipment to play a competitive game of croquet.

A sport should not rely on any element of luck integrated into it.

Croquet relies on the players aiming and hitting skills.

A sport has rules of play that allow a winner to be determined.

In croquet, the winner is the first to score 14 points by passing both balls through all six hoops and then pegging each ball out.

Best Croquet Sets – It’s A Wrap

I hope you enjoyed browsing through my detailed review of the best croquet sets and that it helped you in understanding what to look for in a great croquet set.

If I have overlooked any important aspects please feel free to add them in the comments below.

Croquet is a fun game for the whole family and you can enjoy it, even more, using only the best croquet sets available.